NSVRC Blogs by Melissa Powers

Melissa is a Librarian at the National Sexual Violence Resource Center and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. Melissa has experience working in youth corrections as a direct care staff and case manager. She also has experience working in the publishing field as a book buyer. Melissa holds a B.A. from Adams State University of Colorado, an M.S.L.S. in Library Science from Clarion University, and an M.P.S. in Instructional Design through Fort Hayes State University. She is an absolute book lover and enjoys spreading her love for books and the movement to others.

From the Library: Transgender, Nonbinary, and Intersex Booklist

January 14, 2025 Melissa Powers

The NSVRC Library highlights books that explore the experiences of gender minorities, especially as it pertains to health equity and sexual violence.

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From the Library: Social Justice Booklist for Children

November 11, 2023 Melissa Powers

The NSVRC Library highlights parts of its collection that promote diversity, equity, and feminism to children.

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Guides for Self-Care this Holiday Season

December 20, 2022 Melissa Powers

Happy Holidays! The holiday season can be a joyful and happy time but can also come with a ton of stress and anxiety (even if you welcome and enjoy the holiday season). This time of year can also be a dark time for some especially for those who have lost someone. Managing our mental health […]

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Reflecting on A Sacred People: Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

November 22, 2022 Melissa Powers

Censorship Only Divides

September 19, 2022 Melissa Powers

In the library world, we believe in the right to read and the freedom for anyone to choose what they want to read, regardless of the content. In recognition of these beliefs, the Respect Together Libraries stand together with other libraries all over the country to support Banned Books Week. This year’s time of recognition […]

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Celebrating Juneteenth with Resources of Richness

June 16, 2022 Melissa Powers

June 19, 1865 is a day that is held in high regards for this country, but more importantly for Black people who have come before, those in today’s society, and those who will come in the future. Respect Together is proud to recognize Juneteenth with the knowledge that racism and anti-Black racism is a root cause […]

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Excellent Resources and Safe Spaces

April 22, 2022 Melissa Powers

The teal is out, the events have been planned, and the 2022 SAAM campaign is in full swing. With the theme of Building Safe Online Spaces Together, I wanted to highlight some fantastic resources that are held within the Respect Together Library collection. My hope is that folks can potentially use these and our many […]